Link to reload current page

Exploring different techniques

While the Fast answer provides a ready-made solution, there are several other techniques available to reload the current page. Let's broaden our horizons and explore further.

Reloading with href – an HTML approach

When JavaScript is off the cards, or you're an HTML purist, here's a trick using the href attribute:

<!-- "You know, Link. Sometimes it feels like I'm talking to a . ." -->
<a href=".">Reload Page</a>


The . in href points to the current directory, thus reloading the page. But remember, never trust a . – always test across diverse browsers as peculiar quirks may surface.

Armed with options

But why stop there? Let's delve deeper and discover the different tools at our disposal:

Reloading dynamically: a server-side script example

You can dynamically reload dynamic pages (the word dynamic echoes for a reason!), especially handy with PHP:

<!-- "Remember, reality is an illusion, URL is hologram" -->
<a href="<?php echo $_SERVER["REQUEST_URI"]; ?>">Reload Page</a>


The parallel universe of empty hrefs

An empty href attribute might just be your golden ticket! Who knew emptiness could be so potent?

<a href="">Reload Page</a>


Employing this technique leverages the browser's default behaviour of reloading the page.

A touch of JavaScript magic

Meanwhile, back in JavaScript land, window.location.reload(true) forcefully refreshes the page, ensuring you get a brand-spanking new version from the server:

// "I solemnly swear I'm up to no good"
window.location.reload(true);


Another method involves Harmony Hall mirror tricks where window.location.href equals itself (mind boggling, right?):

window.location.href = window.location.href; // Wait, what?!


Accessibility and UX: No script, no problem

Looking out for script-disabled users or those with disabilities, our non-JS alternatives make sure accessibility isn't compromised.

With great power comes data preservation

Bear in mind that data preservation is paramount - using methods like an empty href might negate POST data. As always, tailor solutions to your specific use case.

Up and down the directory with ".."

The humble .. isn't just two dots that loved each other very much - it navigates up a level in the directory:

<a href="..">Go up one level</a> <!-- Feels amazing, right? Like going back in time! -->


This is like taking a step back into the arms of the parent directory.Remember to align with your file context and structure to avoid any surprise twists.